Construction has now advanced to the pivotal second stage of a significant £1.2 million initiative designed to extend Burton upon Trent's town centre cycle network. This substantial five-month scheme, being delivered by Staffordshire County Council, is set to establish a brand new, dedicated two-way cycle track along Borough Road. This vital infrastructure will forge a direct and safe connection between Burton railway station and the historic Town Hall, seamlessly integrating with the existing Station Street cycleway.
Enhancing Active Travel in the Town Centre
The primary objective of this ambitious project is to make walking, wheeling, and cycling around Burton's core significantly easier and safer for everyone. By creating a continuous, protected route, the council aims to support a more active and sustainable way of navigating the town centre, benefiting residents, daily commuters, and visitors alike.
Current Traffic Management and Road Closures
This second phase necessitates important temporary changes to the local road layout to allow construction to proceed safely and efficiently. A full road closure is now in effect on Borough Road, stretching from Station Court through to the junction with Curzon Street. Additionally, a lane closure is in place on the approach to Wellington Street.
To manage traffic flow during this period, a clearly signed diversion route has been implemented. Motorists are advised to follow the diversion via Station Street, Union Street, Orchard Street, Evershed Way, Shobnall Road, and Wellington Street. This current stage of roadworks is anticipated to last for approximately five weeks.
A Brief Pause in Construction Works
In a move to coordinate essential works and minimise overall disruption, the construction team will pause all activity on this project for a two-week period. This hiatus is scheduled to begin on Sunday, February 15th, allowing other critical maintenance tasks to be completed in the surrounding area without overloading the local network.
Council Commitment to Long-Term Benefits
Peter Mason, Staffordshire County Council’s cabinet member for strategic highways, commented on the project's progress. "It's great to see this important scheme progressing well," he said. "Linking the railway station to the Town Hall with a dedicated cycle route will make it far easier and safer for people to walk, wheel or cycle around Burton, supporting a more active way of getting around the town centre."
He acknowledged the temporary inconvenience caused, adding, "We fully appreciate that roadworks can be disruptive, and I’d like to thank people for their patience while this phase takes place. Our crews are working hard to minimise disruption and keep everything on schedule. We’re also pausing construction for a short period in February to avoid overloading the network."
Mason emphasised the long-term value of the investment, stating, "When complete, this investment will bring long‑term benefits for residents, commuters and visitors and will play a key part in making Burton a more accessible and better‑connected place."
Comprehensive Scheme Improvements
Beyond the new cycle track, the wider project encompasses a suite of enhancements along the route. These include the resurfacing of footways and sections of the carriageway, upgrades to bus stops and traffic signal systems, and the refreshing of all road markings to improve clarity and safety for all road users.
Project Funding and Information
The £1.2 million scheme is made possible through a collaborative funding model. The majority of the investment, £990,000, comes from East Staffordshire Borough Council’s Town Deal allocation, supplemented by a further £220,000 contributed by Staffordshire County Council.
Residents and road users seeking the latest updates on highway works in Burton are encouraged to subscribe to Staffordshire County Council’s dedicated monthly East Staffordshire highways newsletter for regular notifications.
